Putting Down Roots by Kim Jensen Designs
Journaling:
This is the basics of where I started and where I am now. If you were to hop in your car and drive my life's path, it would take you about 20 hours and 30 minutes. Keep in mind that within each city, I may have lived in a few different spots. For example, in St. Paul, I'm aware of at least 4 different homes. In Wahpeton, we lived in two places, moved to Fairmount, and moved BACK to Wahpeton after only a year. Google maps didn't allow me to add that extra stop! Once we hit Nebraska, then we pretty much lived in one place in one town. Blair begins my college life, and therefore identifies as my adult life. In Omaha, I had 4 different homes. Then Eric and I moved to Texas 19 years ago.
In summary: Since I was 18, I've lived in 6 different homes; 3 cities. Before I was 18, I lived in at least 12 different homes; 7 cities.
The instability in my childhood was very difficult. Moving around was hard. We often stayed in the same school district when I was in elementary - only having 3 school districts between Kindergarten and 6th grade, but the moving was difficult in itself. Once we hit 7th grade I was in one school for 7th, one for 8th, and another for 9-12. Those were the most difficult years as girls are not always nice at that middle school age. It was difficult being the new girl so many times. Especially in small towns where everyone grew up together.
I always said I wasn't going to move my kids around as much I was moved around. And I've pretty much stuck with that, even though there have been times I wanted to move. The kids have been in the same school district their entire life (Asher only had to change when we were re-zoned, but so were most of his friends). While Asher lived in two homes, he doesn't remember the first one. And Ada has lived in this same home for her entire life.
There is one move I'm looking forward to once the kids are on their own: The move to a home that is all one story. Maybe even a home in a 55+ community... something quieter, something with a bigger yard, larger closets....I've loved my stability, but I have learned one major lesson in staying put for 19 years.....the more you move, the more you purge stuff. Having 19 years with no move, means we have collected a lot of stuff over the years! But the stability has been worth it. Having no mortgage for 4 years has been worth it. The memories we've created in this home we have been something I wouldn't trade for the world! I'm so glad I was able to give my kids stability in their childhood. I know when the day comes to sell, there will be some sentimental feelings. Until that day comes though, I will cherish each memory created.
